Happy Pandemic Thanksgiving

 2020 has been an odd year to have gratitude. Bittersweet is a good description. There has been a lot of bad news, Covid-19, industries cratered, layoffs, no vacations, laptop died, and more. If you are worn out by restrictions, you are not alone.

If you lost family, friends or coworkers you miss them. Grieving and thankfulness tough combination. It’s always okay to grieve.

However you have decided to celebrate, enjoy yourself. Take precautions. Call family and friends, talk about old times, make small talk, tell dad jokes, and have good food. Today is not the day to solve world problems. Be present and this is what you will be grateful for in the future.

Also thankful 2021 is coming :) 

Thanksgiving and Holidays

Relax. Everyone has made an effort to be there. The hosts have really worked hard to welcome you and everyone. It is stressful. Smile and greet everyone.

People are there you don’t know. You are likely nervous, so are they. Welcome everybody assuming best intentions.

No one has changed since last time. Everyone still has their annoying habits. Including you. But we have all learned from living one more year.

Politics are a minefield. Nobody has the same views on everything. Expect them to support other candidates or positions. You are not there to convert them to your views. Besides no one has all the right answers.

We gather to celebrate. Those who made it this year, those who can’t come, and remembering those no longer with us. Sharing success and failures, children, and another year of life. 

Success formula for gatherings - Relax, Tolerate, Celebrate and Enjoy

Develop Your Sense of Thriving

We know life is challenging - work, school, college, health issues, family, activities, news & politics. There are relocations, break ups, divorces, funerals, and difficult people. Hard work and stress are givens in daily life. In spite of it all, life is good.

You need to be your own advocate. Who knows better what you need?

Appreciate the work you do. Make a customer happy. Anticipate what the boss or a coworker needs. Find a mistake and fix it. Mentor someone. Perform a complicated task. There is always something to appreciate in work you participated in and accomplished.

Find what you enjoy. Sit in the sunshine. Walk on the grass. Garden. Cut the lawn. Help a child. Take a run. Draw. Drive somewhere beautiful. Exercise. Take pictures. Pray. Take time for small pleasures. 

You only have to convince yourself. No one else needs to be convinced. We all see how well you are thriving. 

“You have more control than you think. Your attitude, mind-set and willfulness can make all the difference.” - Christine Porath, ‘Mastering Civility’